Walnuts

The Chilean Walnut Commission has revealed its anticipates a 20 per cent increase in volume to 64,000 tonnes within the next four years.

In 2010, shipments of walnuts from Chile reached 29,797 tonnes, up 19 per cent from 25,039 tonnes in 2009, according to a news statement from the association.

This year, the Commission expects volume to reach 35,000 tonnes, which would represent a 20 per cent rise over 2010.

Chilean walnut exports have doubled over the course of the last five years and the Commission believes this solid growth will continue in the years to come.

Currently, the organisation is working with the Chilean export promotion agency (ProChile) and the country’s phytosanitary agency (SAG) to establish export protocols.

The aim is to open up new markets in the Middle East, north Africa and Asia Pacific, among other destinations.